DANZER BLOG

White oak

White oak

150+ Years of History in a White Oak Veneer

Can trees tell a story? Can veneer create an emotional connection to historical times and places? At Danzer, we believe they can! Let us look at the story of a remarkable white oak tree. A story, that is also a great example of what we value at Danzer.

 

Once upon a time, there was a white oak tree …
In the heart of Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Michigan, stood a majestic white oak tree. For 154 years, its branches stretched toward the sky, bearing witness to monumental moments in American history.
Planted around 1870, this tree observed the Reconstruction Era, the rise of industrialization, and landmark events such as the passage of the 15th Amendment granting African American men the right to vote. It even stood through the invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876.

But this white oak didn’t just witness history—it became part of the zoo’s story and landscape, providing shade and beauty for generations of visitors and animals alike.

 

A difficult decision
As Potter Park Zoo expanded, plans for a new Animal Health Facility conflicted with the tree’s location. Despite its significance, the tree had to be logged to make way for the clinic. However, this wasn’t the end of its story. Instead, it marked a new chapter—when Danzer Veneer Americas (DVA) stepped in. Through a trusted tree service provider we regularly collaborate with, we were able to purchase the tree. We then bucked the log to produce high-quality, historically valuable rift veneer, preserving the tree’s legacy in the process.

oak trunk

 

One project, three core values
The white oak project isn’t just a reflection of history; it’s a testament to our commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and uniqueness. Here’s how it embodies three of our core values at Danzer:

 

Value #1: Sustainable sourcing and processing
Sustainability lies at the heart of everything we do: The white oak project showcases this. By producing thin-sliced veneer from the historic white oak tree, we created decorative surfaces covering approximately 50,000 ft²—a much larger area than could be achieved with solid lumber. This efficient use of natural resources aligns with sustainable forestry principles, ensuring that every part of the tree contributes to something meaningful.

By providing geolocation data for our logs, we are already ensuring compliance with the planned EUDR regulations while promoting transparency in our sourcing practices. The white oak tree exemplifies this principle perfectly: Danzer always knows where our trees come from.

Beyond these technical achievements, the project also created a positive community impact: proceeds from the sale of the white oak tree partially funded Potter Park Zoo’s new animal hospital. At the intersection of sustainability and social responsibility, thoughtful wood processing can benefit both nature and society.

oak trunks for veneer

 

Value #2: Quality of materials and craftsmanship
Skilled specialists carefully bucked the white oak tree into three logs lengths at our Edinburgh, Indiana facility. One of them, with its rare 41-inch diameter base, showcases the tree’s remarkable size and exceptional quality.

The resulting rift veneer reflects over 150+ years of history, with unique grain patterns shaped by the changing conditions of climate and environment. Danzer’s exceptional craftsmanship ensures the material meets the highest standards of quality and durability, ideal for premium applications.

 

Value #3: Uniqueness and Exclusivity
It is a rare occasion that Danzer gets to work with a tree that has grown over such a long time: The white oak tree is a living witness to one-and-a-half centuries of American history. Its veneer captures a spirit of resilience, transformation, and organic growth.

Danzer is now seeking a project that honors the tree’s legacy. We are looking for a project partner who will proudly showcase the tree’s story at the site of use, creating a meaningful connection to its heritage and the past.

split oak trunks for veneer

 

The white oak story continues
Through sustainable practices, meticulous craftsmanship, and an appreciation for the unique, we at Danzer preserve the stories nature offers us. The white oak may no longer stand at Potter Park Zoo, but its story lives on in every single veneer sheet we produce. As a leading manufacturer of decorative sliced wood, we at Danzer help to blend historical wood with state-of-the-art applications, creating unique spaces where past and present meet.

white oak veneer

 

Partner with us
Are you ready to transform history into design? Let the legacy of the white oak enrich your next project. Contact us to learn more about this one-of-a-kind veneer:

Sierra Williams
Sales | Marketing
+1 724 827 3764 |